How to Overcome the Fear of Failure

How to Overcome the Fear of Failure

There are three primary emotions that motivate us;

1. Desire. You are motivated to achieve your desires.
2. Anger. Some people don't get out of their chair, until they are angry enough.
3. Fear. Your fears will motivate you to fight or flight.

The "fight or flight" fear response

We tend run away from things we find fearful.

This is a natural and often beneficial response.

If you find yourself confronted by a real danger, such as a forest fire, then running away would seem to be; the correct response.

BUT life is more complicated than that, because we are often faced by situations that are not a physical threat; but are only social threat.

These social threats include:

1. Making a public speech to a large audience.
2. Presenting yourself in a job interview.
3. Talking to a person whom you find attractive.
4. Entering a competition where your friends will be in the audience.
5. Starting a new business that you know may end in failure.
6. Singing in a karaoke.

These situations are not actually physically dangerous, but they are psychologically dangerous, because we know we may fail, and we are afraid that we will look stupid or incompetent in front of our friends.

This is the commonest error in the world.

The commonest error in the world is to overestimate the significance of what other people may think of us.

The solution to the commonest error in the world.

The solution is simple.

Train yourself to NOT WORRY about what other people think if you try, but do not succeed.

Train yourself to be afraid only of those things that are physically dangerous, (eg forest fires).

And train yourself to be NOT afraid of those events that are only psychologically dangerous, (fluffing your lines at an audition).

Why it is essential that you don't pay much heed to your social fears.

It is important that you refuse to pay too much attention to these types of fears, because fear itself is enough to cause you to fail.

• If you are fearful, then you are more likely to fail.
• If you are not fearful, then you are more likely to succeed.

How to reduce your social fears.

Keep repeating to yourself the phrase... "I don't really care what they think".

1. If you are making a speech, then say to yourself, "I don't really care what the audience thinks".
2. If you are going on a job interview, say to yourself, "I will do my best and I don't really care what my friends might say, if I don't get it".
3. If you are thinking of singing in a karaoke, then sing your heart out, all the time thinking, "I don't really care what they think, the fact is, I'm having a great time".

Your fears will diminish if you refuse to give too much weight to what other people think of you.

Do your best in every situation, focus on your performance, and forget what others think.

Then fear evaporates.

Don't let fear stop you.

Definition: fear of failure

Fear of failure is the uneasy emotion felt at work when you picture a goal going wrong. It is sparked by the thought of falling short and being judged, not by real harm. The feeling tells you to hold back, slows useful risk, and fades once you see errors as normal feedback.

Article Summary

Fear of failure is rarely a real threat; it is a story we tell ourselves about what others may think. Treat it as harmless talk, act anyway, learn from the result, and each step grows your skill and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.

Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!

Did You Know: Key Statistics

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Motivation

• Feed Your Brain the Right Thoughts
  Learn how to control your thoughts, silence the inner critic and use positive self talk to build will power, lift more weight and boost results in sport and 1
  Read Article >
• How to be More Fun
  Learn how to be more fun with four proven habits: drop fear, relax, laugh at life and spot the silly side. Boost mood and draw people to you today with ease.
  Read Article >
• How to Gain Respect
  Learn how to gain respect with ten clear traits: fast choice, honesty, hard work, self-discipline, open talk and calm manners. Build trust at work and in life.
  Read Article >
• Load the Dice in Your Favour
  Learn how self-discipline keeps your dice on six each day, so you control what you can, beat tough odds and build personal success with simple daily habits.
  Read Article >
• How to Inspire People
  Master positive motivation to inspire people. Replace fear and anger with desire, goals and praise. Discover leadership skills that raise results and team spirt
  Read Article >

Looking for Leadership and Management Training?

If you're looking to develop your Motivation Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

Next Open Course Starts in 4 days, London - Central, places available Book Now >